Modular Accessory System For Rifle

ABSTRACT

A rifle is provided. The rifle comprises a barrel, a handguard partly axially surrounding the barrel, and a modular accessory system. The modular accessory system comprises a housing and a modular accessory support system positioned within the housing, wherein the support system includes at least two modular accessory slots. The modular accessory system also comprises a modular accessory removably secured and individually adjustable within each slot. The housing partly axially surrounds the barrel and is positioned axially adjacent to the handguard such that a combination of the handguard and the housing surrounds the barrel completely in an axial manner. Support system configurations of preferably either tray-type or platform-type may be contemplated. The modular accessory system may further comprise a common power source and a display system. A modular accessory system for rifles capable of exchangeably mounting accessories thereto in plug-and-play fashion is therefore achieved.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of rifles, and,more specifically, to modular accessory systems for rifles capable ofexchangeably mounting accessories thereto in plug-and-play fashion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The continuing advancements of combat has led to a clear need forsophisticated weaponry with increased accuracy and multiple operationalcapabilities. With respect to rifles, particularly of the M4, M16, andAR-15 type, this need is reflected in the requirement that the rifle beable to support various accessories such as spotlight, floodlight,flashlight, targeting device, spotter, illuminator, night vision device,laser dazzler, rangefinder, etc., any of which may utilize visiblelight, infrared (IR) light, visible laser, IR laser, andelectro-optical, etc. Consequently, conventional rifles have utilizedvarious types of rifle mounts capable of holding the above-mentionedaccessories. The following are various types of conventional accessorymounting techniques.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,845,871 sets forth a mount that is bolted to the top ofthe carrying handle of an M16.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,600 discloses a mount that clamps to the barrel ofan M16. A rail-type connector including transverse slots allow thesecuring of a singular accessory.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,489 discloses a mount for a grenade launcher. Thedevice attaches to the barrel of an M16 rifle and holds the launcherunderneath the barrel. After attaching the device, the original handguard is reattached.

It is also notoriously well-known that so-called Picatinny/Weaver/Swanrail (rail mount) systems, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,845,871 mentionedabove, have been widely employed to support single or multipleaccessories.

The above conventional accessory mounting systems all suffer fromvarious drawbacks. For example, the conventional accessory mount systemsof rail-type employ designs which allow accessories to be attachedanywhere on the rail. Therefore, there is no location commonality of theaccessories when comparing one rifle to another, thereby increasing thelearning curve. Also, since these accessories are positioned somedistance away from each other and because each accessory is designed byvarious manufacturers typically with very angular and sharp portions,the potential for snagging along objects, people, buildings, becomesquite large. Another disadvantage of utilizing rail-type mounts is thatthe accessories mounted thereon are individually exposed andindependently operable thereby requiring large protective shellhousings, separate batteries and corresponding circuitry, all of whichare costly and increases weight. Thus, if an entire accessory or onecomponent within an accessory is non-functioning, the entire accessory(including the protective shell housing, separate battery, andcorresponding circuitry) needs to be replaced at an increased cost. Yetanother disadvantage occurs each time an accessory is replaced. Eachaccessory needs to be adjusted for sight alignment when attaching tothese conventional mounts. As a further disadvantage, since eachaccessory is independently powered by a separate battery, each batteryneeds to be monitored. Since the accessories are likely to consume powerat different amounts and times and since accessories and theircorresponding batteries are themselves likely to be replaced atdifferent times, determining the charge remaining for all the variousbatteries will be a constant struggle.

Thus, it is desirable to provide a rifle comprising a modular accessorysystem which is able to overcome the above disadvantages.

Therefore, a need exists for a modular accessory system that easilyattaches to a rifle, houses a plurality of accessories simultaneously,allows for exchangeably mounting accessories in plug-and-play fashion,eliminates the need to replace an entire assembly if one accessory isnon-functioning, allows for adjustability of the modular accessories,reduce or eliminate the need to calibrate when replacing accessories,powers a plurality of accessories simultaneously, reduces learningcurve, consolidates controller interface, increases up-time and time toachieve combat-ready state, minimizes weight, minimizes cost, and has astreamlined housing.

These and other advantages of the present invention will become morefully apparent from the detailed description of the inventionhereinbelow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a rifle comprising a barrel, ahandguard partly axially surrounding the barrel, and a modular accessorysystem. The modular accessory system comprises a housing and a modularaccessory support system positioned within the housing, wherein thesupport system includes at least two modular accessory slots. Themodular accessory system also comprises a modular accessory removablysecured within each slot, wherein each accessory is individuallyadjustable in a first axis and a second axis while being removablysecured within each slot, and wherein the first axis is perpendicularfrom the second axis. The housing partly axially surrounds the barreland is positioned axially adjacent to the handguard such that acombination of the handguard and the housing surrounds the barrelcompletely in an axial manner. The handguard and the housing arepreferably removably secured to the rifle via a Delta-ring typeconnector. In one embodiment, the accessories are accessible via anopening within the housing that is exposed upon separation of thehousing from the rifle.

In an alternative embodiment, the housing includes a door that ismovable between an open position and a closed position, wherein theaccessories are accessible via an opening within the housing that isexposed when the door is in the open position.

In another alternative embodiment, the accessories are accessible via afront surface of the housing. The housing may include a front cover thatis movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein theaccessories are accessible via a front surface of the housing that isexposed when the front cover is in the open position.

Various support system configurations of preferably either tray-type orplatform-type may be contemplated as described below. The modularaccessory system may further comprise a common power source electricallyconnected to each accessory while each accessory is removably securedwithin each slot, wherein each accessory is powered by the common powersource.

The modular accessory system may further comprise a display system whichincludes a display, wherein the display system is communicativelyconnected to each accessory while each accessory is removably securedwithin each slot, wherein data corresponding to each accessory isreceived by the display system, and wherein information corresponding tothe data is displayed on the display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the present invention to be clearly understood and readilypracticed, the present invention will be described in conjunction withthe following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a prior art rifle with no handguards nor railsystem installed.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a prior art rifle with a top rail and a siderail of a traditional quad-rail system installed.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a prior art rifle with a top rail and a siderail of a traditional quad-rail system installed, and a bottom rail ofthe traditional quad-rail system being installed or being removed.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a prior art rifle with a top rail, a side rail,and a bottom rail of a traditional quad-rail system installed.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a prior art rifle including a traditionalhandguard system including a top handguard and a bottom handguard.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a rifle that includes an exemplary modularaccessory system, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the exemplary modular accessory system shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the exemplary modular accessory system shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the exemplary modular accessory systemshown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is another isometric view of the exemplary modular accessorysystem shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the exemplary modular accessory system shownin FIG. 6.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of an exemplary support system including a traycontaining holders that support modular accessories in plug-and-playfashion, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the exemplary support system shown inFIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of an exemplary support system including aslotted platform that supports modular accessories in plug-and-playfashion, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the exemplary support system shown inFIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a partial front view of the exemplary modular accessorysystem shown in FIG. 9 employing four modular accessories of varyingrectangular sizes, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 is a partial front view of an exemplary modular accessory systememploying three modular accessories of varying rectangular sizes, inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a partial front view of an exemplary modular accessory systememploying four modular accessories of varying sizes and shapes, inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a partial front view of an exemplary modular accessory systememploying five modular accessories distributed in a circular pattern, inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a partial front view of the exemplary modular accessorysystem as shown in FIG. 17 employing a front cover for accessing (e.g.inserting, viewing, adjusting, or removing) the modular accessories, inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a partial isometric view of the front surface of theexemplary modular accessory system as shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a partial isometric view of the front surface of theexemplary modular accessory system as shown in FIG. 20 illustrating thefront cover in a raised/open position.

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of an exemplary modular accessory, inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the presentinvention may have been simplified to illustrate elements that arerelevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, whileeliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements found in a typicalrifle. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that otherelements may be desirable and/or required in order to implement thepresent invention. However, because such elements are well known in theart, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of thepresent invention, a discussion of such elements is not provided herein.It is also to be understood that the drawings included herewith onlyprovide diagrammatic representations of the presently preferredstructures of the present invention and that structures falling withinthe scope of the present invention may include structures different thanthose shown in the drawings. Reference will now be made to the drawingswherein like structures are provided with like reference designations.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “handguard” is hereby definedas any element that partly axially surrounds a barrel (see, for example,barrel 21 in FIG. 6) and is to be held in place between fasteners suchas Delta-ring 29 and cap 31 (see, for example, handguard 35 in FIG. 6).As an alternative to the type of handguard 35 shown in FIG. 6, thehandguard may alternatively comprise a rail mounting system (e.g.Picatinny, Weaver, Swan rail systems). As another alternative, thehandguard may comprise a combination of the type of handguard 35 shownin FIG. 6 with a rail mounting system.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a prior art rifle 1 with no handguards nor railsystem installed. FIG. 1 also illustrates a barrel 2, a front sightassembly 8, and a gas tube 9.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a prior art rifle 1 with a top rail 4 t and aside rail 4 s of a traditional quad-rail system installed.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a prior art rifle 1 with a top rail 4 t and aside rail 4 s of a traditional quad-rail system installed, and a bottomrail 4 b of the traditional quad-rail system being installed or beingremoved.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a prior art rifle 1 with a top rail 4 t, a siderail 4 s, and a bottom rail 4 b of a traditional quad-rail system 4installed.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a prior art rifle 1 comprising a traditionalhandguard system 3 including a top handguard 3 t and a bottom handguard3 b.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a rifle 10 that includes an exemplary modularaccessory system (MAS) 100, in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. Rifle 10 may preferably be of the M4, M16, andAR-15 type, but other rifles may benefit from the MAS of the presentinvention. FIG. 6 also illustrates a barrel 21 and a buttstock 16. Ahandguard 35 is shown at the top side of the rifle 10. A Delta-ring 29is preferably utilized to removably attach the handguard 35 to the rifle10. The rear side of the handguard 35 is held in place via theDelta-ring 29 while the front side of the handguard is held in place viaa cap 31 provided on barrel 21. The handguard 35 is provided with afront collar 36 and a rear collar 38 (see FIGS. 7-10). The front collar36 is captured and retained in cap 31, and the rear collar 38 iscaptured and retained in the Delta-ring 29. The handguard 35, Delta-ring29, cap 31, front collar 36, rear collar 38, and their operability withother corresponding components in removably attaching the handguard 35to the rifle 10, are generally known to those skilled in the rifle artand may be the type as described in more detail (with like numerals) inU.S. Pat. No. 5,198,600. Note FIG. 3 of the present invention shows ahandguard of rail mount type as its bottom rail 4 b is being installed,which would be a similar process as the installation of the handguard 35shown in the present invention and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,600.

A grip 90 may optionally be employed as also illustrated in FIG. 6. Anyattachment system may be utilized to attach the grip 90 to the MAS 100.Such attachment system is considered to be within the knowledge of oneskilled in the rifle-grip field. A rail mount may even be contemplatedfor the bottom side (104, FIG. 7) of the housing of the MAS 100. Thegrip 90 may utilize such a rail for attachment to the bottom side 104 ofthe housing of the MAS 100. The rail may even mount additionalnon-modular accessories if desired. See U.S. Pat. No. 7,191,557 whichdiscloses a bottom rail for attaching a grip. The grip/railconfiguration may alternatively be employed on either or both of theleft/right sides (108, FIG. 7) of the housing of the MAS 100.

FIGS. 7-9 are a side view, a plan view, and an isometric view,respectively, of the exemplary MAS 100 shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 10 isanother isometric view of the exemplary MAS 100 shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 11is a rear view of the exemplary MAS 100 shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7illustrates the exemplary MAS 100 comprising a housing having a top side102, a bottom side 104, a rear side 106, left/right sides 108, and afront side 110. A front surface 180 of the housing is provided at frontside 110. A battery cap 107 may preferably be screw-type and may beprovided at the rear side 106. A common power source 260 (e.g. a batteryor fuel cell of any type—as schematically shown in FIGS. 12 and 13) maybe housed in a compartment within the housing located at the rear side106 or located at the rear side of the buttstock 16. In either location,the common power source may be accessible via battery cap 107. Batteriesof conventional type (e.g. AAA-type, AA-type, lithium-type, etc.) andother/non-conventional type batteries may be employed and can easily bereplaced since they are widely available throughout the world. Note thatthe common power source of the present invention may comprise more thanone battery and/or fuel cell for extended operating range of power. Thecommon power source is electrically connected to each modular accessorywhile each modular accessory is removably secured within each slot. Thiscommon power source configuration significantly increases efficiency andresults in an overall reduction in battery consumption as it overcomesthe disadvantages of using separate/independent batteries for eachaccessory, as mentioned in the “Background of the Invention” sectionabove.

Controls such as slider switch 109 s or button 109 b may be employed tocontrol some or all of the modular accessories. The controls may belocated elsewhere such as on front side 110, bottom side 104, at therear side of the buttstock 16, or at another location on the left/rightside 108.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate front compartment 130 and rear compartment 131.One or both of these compartments may house a modular accessory supportsystem 150, 160 as explained more fully below with reference to FIGS.12-15. Front compartment 130 may also house an optics insulator block140 while rear compartment 131 may house a motherboard assembly 145.Alternatively, rear compartment 131 may house an optics insulator block140 while front compartment 130 may house a motherboard assembly 145. Asanother alternative, the optics insulator block 140 and/or motherboardassembly 145 may be omitted, provided elsewhere within the rifle, or mayboth be located in one of the front/rear compartments 130, 131. Anoptics connector board is optional and may also be utilized in either orboth of the front/rear compartments 130, 131. The optics insulator block140 is optional and may be provided to isolate modular accessory opticalpaths from each other. As another alternative configuration, frontcompartment 130 and rear compartment 131 may be replaced by a singlecompartment (not shown).

FIG. 12 is a plan view of an exemplary support system 150 including atray 151 containing holders 152, 153, 154 that define at least two slotsthat support modular accessories (e.g. modular accessory 200 in FIG. 23)in plug-and-play fashion, in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. It is noted that FIGS. 12-15 do not illustratethe modular accessories as being inserted in the slots. Modularaccessory 200 will be inserted into holder 152 such that indentations210 i (again, see FIG. 23) of the modular accessory 200 mate withprotrusions 210 within holder 152. Protrusions 210 may be, for example,spring-biased ball plungers. It is noted that modular accessory 200 mayalternatively have protrusions while the holder 152 provides thecorresponding indentations. A rotation axle defined by the mating of theindentations 210 i and protrusions 210 serves as a pivoting axis whichallows for pivoting (i.e. adjustment) of the modular accessory 200 in avertical direction (i.e. z-axis) upon actuation of a z-axis adjustmentdevice. The z-axis adjustment device may be, for example, z-axisadjustment screw 155 which is positioned at an opposite end of theholder 152 of the modular accessory 200 from that of the indentations210 i and protrusions 210. Screw 155 is vertically positioned eitherabove or below the holder 152 or modular accessory 200 such thatrotation of screw 155 causes vertical movement of the corresponding endof the modular accessory 200 via the holder 152. The positioning of thescrew 155 may depend on whether access to the interior of the housing isachieved from the top side 102 or the bottom side 104 via door 105 whichis shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10. Either the modular accessory 200, holder152, or the screw 155 may optionally be spring-biased. There mayoptionally be a pivot point or axis along the modular accessory 200 orholder 152 between the indentations/protrusions and the screw 155 tofacilitate the z-axis pivoting of the modular accessory 200. Otheradjustment devices may of course be contemplated and are considered tobe within the scope of the present invention. As an alternative to theindentations 210 i and protrusions 210, FIG. 12 illustrates the use of ahinge 213 for vertical adjustment of the modular accessory 200 withinholder 153. Plate 214 may optionally be employed to attach hinge 213 toholder 153 or to tray 151. Holder 154 may be sized larger than themodular accessory 200 such that a space is provided at one end of theholder 154 for placement of a roller axle 217 which functions to raisethe holder itself in a vertical direction thereby raising the modularaccessory 200 when removably secured therein. The adjustment devices forholders 153, 154 may comprise screws 156, 157 identical to that of screw155. Other types of adjustment devices that function similarly tothereby enable vertical adjustability of the modular accessory 200 maybe contemplated and are considered to be within the scope of the presentinvention. It is noted that the tray/holders are shown with openings attheir top sides for access to the tray/holders/modularaccessories/screws 155, 156, 157 from above via an opening within thehousing that is exposed upon separation of the housing from the rifle.Alternatively, the tray/holders may instead employ openings at theirbottom sides for access to the tray/holders/modular accessories/screws155, 156, 157 from below via an opening within the housing that isexposed when the door 105 is in the open position. Alternatively, thescrews 155, 156, 157 may alternatively directly adjust the modularaccessories themselves instead of their corresponding holders orsleeves.

X-direction adjustment devices may be employed to effect pivoting (i.e.adjustment) of the holders 152, 153, 154, respectively, in a horizontaldirection (i.e. x-axis). These x-direction adjustment devices forholders 152, 153, 154 may comprise x-axis adjustment screws 171, 172,173 identical to that of screws 155, 156, 157 above. Other types ofadjustment devices that function similarly to thereby enable horizontaladjustability of the modular accessory 200 may be contemplated and areconsidered to be within the scope of the present invention. Screw 171 ispositioned to abut against a front portion of holder 152 and may extendthrough the tray 151 for accessing purposes. Alternatively, screw 174(see FIGS. 16-22) may be utilized in place of screw 171 and may functionsimilarly to screw 171. However, screw 174 differs from screw 171 inthat it extends to the front side 110 of MAS 100. Note: screw 174 is notlabeled in FIG. 20-22 for simplicity purposes. A rotation axle 211provided optionally through hole 211 h in holder 152 serves as apivoting axis which allows for pivoting (i.e. adjustment) of the modularaccessory 200 in a horizontal direction (i.e. x-axis) upon actuation ofscrew 171 (or screw 174). Screw 172 is positioned to abut against a sideportion of holder 153 and may extend through the left side 108 of MAS100 for accessing purposes. Holder 153 pivots about rotation axle 212upon turning of the screw 172. The rotation axle 212 may be providedoptionally through hole 212 h. Rotation axle 212 may optionally beaffixed to plate 214 which may be affixed to tray 151. Note that screw172 is also shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10.

Screw 173 is positioned to abut against a side portion of holder 154 andmay extend through the left side 108 of MAS 100 for accessing purposes.Holder 154 pivots about rotation axle 216 upon turning of the screw 173.The rotation axle 216 may optionally be affixed to plate 215 which maybe affixed to tray 151.

Screw 170 is positioned to abut against a notch 151 i within tray 151and may extend through the right side 108 of MAS 100 for accessingpurposes. The effect of turning screw 170 differs from that of screws171, 172, 173 in that adjustment of the entire tray 151 in thex-direction is achieved. This results in a common adjustment of trays152, 153, 154 thereby effecting adjustment of the modular accessories ina combined manner in the x-direction. A corresponding pivoting axis maybe employed similar to those of the holders but is not shown forsimplicity purposes.

Screw 158 functions similarly to screws 155, 156, 157. The effect ofturning screw 158 differs from that of screws 155, 156, 157 in thatadjustment of the entire tray 151 in the z-direction is achieved. Thisresults in a common adjustment of trays 152, 153, 154 thereby effectingadjustment of the modular accessories in a combined manner in thez-direction. A corresponding pivoting axis may be employed similar tothose of the holders but is not shown for simplicity purposes.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the exemplary support system 150 shownin FIG. 12. For simplicity purposes, some elements in FIG. 12 (e.g. allthe adjustment screws except for adjustment screw 172) are notillustrated in FIG. 13. FIG. 13 shows the use of a sleeve 159 which mayoptionally be employed. A modular accessory 200 may utilize sleeve 159for a variety of purposes. As an example, a modular accessory 200 mayreduce it's complexity by transferring some components (e.g. circuitry)to sleeve 159. Sleeve 159 may also serve to protect a modular accessoryfrom the environment. Further, sleeve 159 may reduce or eliminatevibrations to the modular accessory occurring both prior to the securingof the modular accessory within the holder and when the modularaccessory is secured within the holder. Note: FIG. 13 shows the optionalsleeve 159 whereas FIG. 12 does not show sleeve 159 as being employed.

The modular accessory 200 employs electrical contact pads 263 which areelectrically connected to contact pads 261. Common power source 260 iselectrically connected to contact pads 261 via electrical wiring 265.Other wiring and/or electrical contact connections and configurationsmay be alternatively employed and are considered to be within the scopeof the present invention. In the embodiment where sleeve 159 isutilized, contact pads 263 are electrically connected to contact pads261 via contact pads 262 (FIG. 13).

When modular accessories are removably secured within the holders, holes153 h (or, alternatively, windows) are provided within each holder andtray 151 to allow the signals/light to be transmitted and received bythe modular accessories. FIG. 13 illustrates these holes 153 h. Holes153 h are omitted from FIG. 12 for simplicity purposes. The remainingholders and any sleeves would employ similar holes/windows.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of an exemplary support system 160 including aslotted platform 161 that supports modular accessories (e.g. modularaccessory 200 in FIG. 23) in plug-and-play fashion, in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

Support system 160 in FIGS. 14 and 15 differs from support system 150 inFIGS. 12 and 13 in several ways. Platform 161 is employed instead oftray 151. Platform 161 includes slots 162, 163, 164 which are utilizedto removably secure modular accessories therein. Protrusions 210 areutilized in each of slots 162, 163, 164. Optional sleeve 159 is nowshown in FIG. 14 whereas it was omitted in FIG. 12 as mentioned above.Screws 172, 173 now abut directly against the modular accessoriesthemselves instead of their holders. However, screw 171 abuts againstsleeve 159. Since platform 161 is solid, hole 163 h (or a window) mustbe provided horizontally from slot 163 through the front portion ofplatform 161. Hole 163 h is otherwise functionally similar to hole 153 hin that it allows the signals/light to be transmitted and received bythe modular accessories. The remaining slots and any sleeves wouldemploy similar holes/windows. Screw 170 abuts notch 1611 within platform161 and functions similarly to screw 170 that abuts notch 151 i withintray 151 in FIGS. 12 and 13. Adjustment of the modular accessories in acombined manner in the x-direction is thereby achieved.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the exemplary support system 160 shownin FIG. 14. For simplicity purposes, some elements in FIG. 14 (e.g. allthe adjustment screws except for adjustment screw 172) are notillustrated in FIG. 15. Screw 172 resides within hole 172 h which isprovided within platform 161.

FIG. 16 is a partial front view of the exemplary MAS 100 shown in FIG. 9employing four modular accessories 200, 201, 202, 203 of varyingrectangular sizes which are viewable and accessible via front surface180 at front side 110 of MAS 100, in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention. Each modular accessory hasadjustment screws 174, 175 for adjustment of the modular accessories inthe x and z directions, respectively. Optionally, removal of modularaccessory 200 may be performed upon actuation of button 176. Button 176may utilize a removal mechanism (e.g. a lever) which pushes the modularaccessory out of its corresponding holder/slot. Another exemplaryremoval mechanism which may be employed is a pull tab provided on afront side of the modular accessory (not shown in FIG. 16). The optionalsleeve may be removed along with the modular accessory upon actuation ofthe button 176 or, the pull tab may be employed on the sleeve itself.

FIG. 17 is a partial front view of an exemplary MAS 100 employing threemodular accessories 200, 201, 202 of varying rectangular sizes, inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In thisconfiguration, only one screw 174 is employed.

FIG. 18 is a partial front view of an exemplary MAS 100 employing fourmodular accessories 200, 201, 202, 204 of varying sizes and shapes, inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Modularaccessory 204 is shown having a hemispherical cross-section. Screws 174and 175 are shown at different locations but otherwise functionsimilarly.

FIG. 19 is a partial front view of an exemplary MAS 100 employing fivemodular accessories 200 distributed in a circular pattern, in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Master button 177is provided in addition to button 176. Master button 177 differs frombutton 176 in that removal of all modular accessories occurssimultaneously upon actuation of master button 177.

FIG. 20 is a partial front view of the exemplary MAS 100 as shown inFIG. 17 employing a front cover 188 for accessing (e.g. inserting,viewing, adjusting, or removing) the modular accessories, in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The front cover188 is preferably a clear material (e.g. plastic, glass, polymer, orcombinations thereof), and provides a ruggedized window for viewing themodular accessories. The front cover 188 may be replaceable and may havedifferent optical coatings thereon. The coatings may comprise, forexample, anti-reflection coating, anti-glare coating, a coating toadjust/change the IR laser's visibility spectrum, etc. Hinges 189 may beemployed to allow for the raising/lowering of the front cover 188 asillustrated in FIG. 22. FIG. 21 is a partial isometric view of the frontside 110 of the exemplary MAS 100 as shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is asimilar partial isometric view of the front side 110 of the exemplaryMAS 100 as shown in FIG. 20 illustrating the front cover 188 in araised/open position.

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of an exemplary modular accessory 200, inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Themodular accessory 200 may be any or a combination of the following:spotlight, floodlight, flashlight, targeting device, spotter,illuminator, night vision device, laser dazzler, rangefinder,combinations thereof, etc., any of which may utilize visible light,infrared (IR) light, visible laser, IR laser, electro-optical,combinations thereof, etc. Modular accessory 200 may employ indentations210 i and/or a pull tab 270 as mentioned above. Pull tab 270 is shown ontop of the modular accessory. This configuration may be utilized whenaccess to the interior of the housing is achieved from above. Pull tab270 may be provided on the bottom of the modular accessory when accessto the interior of the housing is achieved from below via door 105 asshown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10. The pull tab 270 may be utilized in theembodiments of FIGS. 12-15 in order to remove modular accessory 200 fromholders or slots of the corresponding support system. The optionalsleeve may be removed along with the modular accessory upon pulling ofthe pull tab 270, or the pull tab may be employed on the sleeve itselffor removal of both the sleeve and modular accessory together. Thedescription and use of modular accessory 200 mentioned above may also beapplicable to other types of modular accessories such as modularaccessories 201-204, etc.

The present invention is directed to a rifle 10 comprising a barrel 21,a handguard 35 partly axially surrounding the barrel 21, and a MAS 100.The MAS 100 comprises a housing and a modular accessory support system150, 160 positioned within the housing, wherein the support system 150,160 includes at least two modular accessory slots. The MAS 100 alsocomprises a modular accessory 200-204 removably secured within eachslot, wherein each accessory is individually adjustable in a first axisand a second axis while being removably secured within each slot, andwherein the first axis is perpendicular from the second axis. Thehousing partly axially surrounds the barrel 21 and is positioned axiallyadjacent to the handguard 35 such that a combination of the handguard 35and the housing surrounds the barrel 21 completely in an axial mannerThe handguard and the housing are preferably removably secured to therifle via a Delta-ring type connector 29. In one embodiment, theaccessories are accessible via an opening 130, 131 within the housingthat is exposed upon separation of the housing from the rifle. In thisconfiguration, the opening is located at a top side 102 of the housing.

In an alternative embodiment, the housing includes a door 105 that ismovable between an open position and a closed position, wherein theaccessories are accessible via an opening within the housing that isexposed when the door 105 is in the open position. In thisconfiguration, the door is located at a bottom side 104 of the housing.

In another alternative embodiment, the accessories are accessible via afront surface 180 of the housing. Alternatively, the housing may includea front cover 188 that is movable between an open position and a closedposition, wherein the accessories are accessible via a front surface 180of the housing that is exposed when the front cover 188 is in the openposition.

The support system may comprise a tray 150 that contains holders 152,153, 154 that define the at least two slots, wherein the individualadjustability of each accessory is achieved via adjustment of acorresponding one of the holders 152, 153, 154. The tray 150 ispreferably adjustable in a third axis and a fourth axis therebyeffecting adjustment of the accessories in a combined manner, whereinthe third axis is perpendicular from the fourth axis. In this tray-typeconfiguration, it is noted that the third axis and fourth axis may bethe same or different than the first axis and second axis, respectively,mentioned above.

The support system may alternatively comprise a platform 160 thatincludes the at least two slots 162, 163, 164. The platform 160 ispreferably adjustable in a third axis and a fourth axis therebyeffecting adjustment of the accessories in a combined manner, whereinthe third axis is perpendicular from the fourth axis. In thisplatform-type configuration, it is noted that the third axis and fourthaxis may be the same or different than the first axis and second axis,respectively, mentioned above.

The MAS 100 may further comprise a common power source 260 electricallyconnected to each accessory while each accessory is removably securedwithin each slot, wherein each accessory is powered by the common powersource 260. The power source 260 may be positioned within the housing,within a buttstock 16 of the rifle 10, or within the grip 90. In theconfiguration where the power source 260 is positioned within the grip90, grip 90 would be a conductive grip and would be electricallyconnected to bottom side 104 of the MAS 100 through electricalconnections/contacts. If utilizing a mounting rail on the bottom side104 of the housing of the MAS 100 for attaching the grip 90, themounting rail may preferably be a conductive/electrified mounting railto supply power from the grip 90 to the modular accessories within thehousing of the MAS 100.

The MAS 100 may further comprise a display system 300 (FIG. 7-11) whichincludes a display, wherein the display system 300 is communicativelyconnected to each accessory while each accessory is removably securedwithin each slot, wherein data corresponding to each accessory isreceived by the display system 300, and wherein informationcorresponding to the data is displayed on the display. For example, thecharge remaining of the common power source 260 may be displayed on thedisplay. Weapon bearing may also be displayed, preferably inputted by aninternal compass (e.g. of digital type). The compass may have thecapability for declination adjustments in order to factor in magneticdeviation from the metal of the rifle. The compass may be a modularaccessory or may alternatively be integral with the rifle. The distanceof range-to-target may also be displayed, preferably inputted from alaser rangefinder modular accessory. As such, the display systemfunctions to provide a situational awareness display.

The handguard may be the type shown in FIG. 6 or may alternativelycomprise at least one rail. As is widely known, the handguard mayinclude an inner liner typically composed of a metal such as aluminum oraluminum alloy. The tray, holders, sleeves, platform, modularaccessories' outer casings, housing, handguard, and rail may be composedof, for example, molded heat-resistant plastic, polymers, metal, orcombinations thereof.

The MAS of the present invention as described above and below fitsexisting rifle configurations without significant modification to thebasic rifle components and is capable of exchangeably mounting modularaccessories thereto in plug-and-play fashion and therefore hassignificant advantages. For example, incorporating the MAS of thepresent invention in place of the bottom handguard (and associatedheat-shield liner) eliminates weight and reduces bulk, and therefore,costs are significantly reduced. Control of some or all of the modularaccessories may be consolidated into preferably one interface therebyincreasing ease of use while reducing weight and associated costs.Providing a MAS as described above, has significant advantages such asit easily attaches to a rifle, houses a plurality of accessoriessimultaneously, eliminates the need to replace an entire assembly if oneaccessory is non-functioning, allows for adjustability of the modularaccessories, reduces or eliminates the need to calibrate when replacingaccessories, powers a plurality of accessories simultaneously, reduceslearning curve, increases up-time and time to achieve combat-readystate, and has a streamlined housing.

The streamlined and ergonomic design of the housing of the MAS of thepresent invention allows for easier use as well as reduced learningcurve due to a common form factor. Other firearm developers employaccessories that can be attached anywhere on rail mount systems.Therefore, there is no location commonality of the rail-mountedaccessories when comparing one rifle system to another. Moreover, theexterior of the housing of the MAS of the present invention ispreferably smooth as compared to both rail mount systems and theirrail-mounted accessories. Therefore, a reduction of the potential forsnagging along sharp edges (e.g. wall edges, door edges, etc.) isrealized. Individual rail-mounted accessories designed by variousmanufacturers are typically very angular, resulting in snagging andshearing effects. Furthermore, each accessory may be replaced at a lowercost per item because they will not require individual protectiveshells. Instead, the housing of the MAS provides a protective shell forall the modular accessories. Therefore, this plug-and-play designreduces overall life-cycle replacement cost.

As mentioned above, the present invention utilizes plug-and-playmodularity, individual modular accessories may more easily andaffordably be replaced on an as-needed case-by-case basis because eachcomponent snaps into their own individual slot. These slots are housedinside the ergonomic, streamlined housing. The housing will attachdirectly to the rifle, replacing a portion of a conventional handguard.The slots will have their own dialing for sight alignment. Therefore,when an modular accessory breaks (e.g. the visible laser), then it maybe replaced with another with minimal to no re-sighting because the slothas already been properly aligned.

The contemplated modifications and variations specifically mentionedabove and below are considered to be within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that variousmodifications and variations may be made to the embodiments describedabove without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. For example, instead of protrusions/indentations 210, 210 i,other type of fastening mechanisms (e.g. of magnetic-type) mayalternatively be employed to removably secure modular accessories withinthe slots. Moreover, the shape, size, number, locations,pattern/distribution, and/or type of modular accessory and correspondingslots may be different than what is described above or shown in thedrawings, and each is dependent on the design of the overall rifle.Additionally, future modular accessories that have not yet beendeveloped or used in commerce may be employed as the modular accessoriesdescribed in the present invention. Also, additional or differentadjustment devices may be employed such as for fine-tuning adjustmentpurposes (e.g. fine-adjustment screws) and may effect adjustment in oneor more axes. Further, rifles having different barrel lengths andhandguard lengths may be employed. The length between the front collar36 and the rear collar 38 would therefore be correspondingly adjusted inlength to accommodate the different lengths between the Delta-ring 29and the cap 31. Yet further, the description above assumes the handguardcomprises half the axial circumference surrounding the barrel 21.However, the handguard may alternatively comprise a smaller or largeraxial circumference surrounding the barrel 21, while the remaining axialcircumference surrounding the barrel 21 is populated by the housing ofthe MAS 100 such that a combination of the handguard and housingsurrounds the barrel completely in an axial manner. Note that thehandguard may comprise multiple portions or multiple rails that arepartly axially disposed surrounding the barrel (e.g. top and side railssimilar to those shown in FIG. 2). Also note that the tray 151 orplatform 161 may optionally be removed from the housing for accessing,or to make x-axis or z-axis adjustments to, any of the holders, sleeves,modular accessories. These adjustments may be made manually or viaadjustment devices. Although the present invention is described abovewith reference to an M4, M16, or AR-15 type rifles, other firearmshaving handguards may utilize the MAS of the present invention.Moreover, although the present invention is described above withreference to the utilization of a connection system including aDelta-ring type connector 29, other connection systems withoutDelta-ring type connectors may alternatively be employed for removablysecuring the handguard and the housing to the rifle. It is therefore tobe understood that the present invention is not limited to theparticular embodiments disclosed above, but it is intended to cover suchmodifications and variations as defined by the following claims.

1. A rifle comprising: a barrel; a handguard partly axially surroundingthe barrel; a modular accessory system comprising: a housing; a modularaccessory support system positioned within the housing, wherein thesupport system includes at least two modular accessory slots; and amodular accessory removably secured within each slot, wherein eachaccessory is individually adjustable in a first axis and a second axiswhile being removably secured within each slot, and wherein the firstaxis is perpendicular from the second axis; wherein the housing partlyaxially surrounds the barrel and is positioned axially adjacent to thehandguard such that a combination of the handguard and the housingsurrounds the barrel completely in an axial manner.
 2. The rifle ofclaim 1, wherein the handguard and the housing are removably secured tothe rifle via a Delta-ring type connector.
 3. The rifle of claim 1,wherein the accessories are accessible via an opening within the housingthat is exposed upon separation of the housing from the rifle.
 4. Therifle of claim 3, wherein the opening is located at a top side of thehousing.
 5. The rifle of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a doorthat is movable between an open position and a closed position, andwherein the accessories are accessible via an opening within the housingthat is exposed when the door is in the open position.
 6. The rifle ofclaim 5, wherein the door is located at a bottom side of the housing. 7.The rifle of claim 1, wherein the accessories are accessible via a frontsurface of the housing.
 8. The rifle of claim 1, wherein the housingincludes a front cover that is movable between an open position and aclosed position, and wherein the accessories are accessible via a frontsurface of the housing that is exposed when the front cover is in theopen position.
 9. The rifle of claim 1, wherein the support systemcomprises a tray that contains holders that define the at least twoslots, and wherein the individual adjustability of each accessory isachieved via adjustment of a corresponding one of the holders.
 10. Therifle of claim 9, wherein the tray is adjustable in a third axis and afourth axis thereby effecting adjustment of the accessories in acombined manner, and wherein the third axis is perpendicular from thefourth axis.
 11. The rifle of claim 1, wherein the support systemcomprises a platform that includes the at least two slots.
 12. The rifleof claim 11, wherein the platform is adjustable in a third axis and afourth axis thereby effecting adjustment of the accessories in acombined manner, and wherein the third axis is perpendicular from thefourth axis.
 13. The rifle of claim 1, wherein the modular accessorysystem further comprises a common power source electrically connected toeach accessory while each accessory is removably secured within eachslot, and wherein each accessory is powered by the common power source.14. The rifle of claim 13, wherein the power source is positioned withinthe housing.
 15. The rifle of claim 13, wherein the power source ispositioned within a buttstock of the rifle.
 16. The rifle of claim 1,wherein the modular accessory system further comprises a display systemwhich includes a display, wherein the display system is communicativelyconnected to each accessory while each accessory is removably securedwithin each slot, wherein data corresponding to each accessory isreceived by the display system, and wherein information corresponding tothe data is displayed on the display.
 17. The rifle of claim 1, whereinthe handguard comprises at least one rail.